Environmental Justice

Environmental justice is defined as the fair treatment and focused involvement of everyone with regard to developing, enforcing, and implementing environmental laws and policies. The justice of the environment serves to keep the environment in its most natural and productive state.

[Updated March 18] The following open letter is prompted by several stories in the Express-Times and Morning Call reporting that almost all of our high schools already have synthetic turf fields (as do most colleges and universities in the Lehigh Valley)—and the few … more →

Most trains reach their destinations safely, of course. Derailments are not common, but— but when a train carrying explosive crude or natural gas does derail and catch fire, the results can be disastrous, as the photos below show. December 2013 … more →

PennEast is a high-volume, high-pressure pipeline designed to transport natural gas from the fracking fields of northern PA through the Lehigh Valley and on to markets in other areas [perhaps overseas]. As with any major construction project, impacts on natural resources … more →

by Sarabeth Brockley But does arguing at least get us somewhere? To test this, a group of students at Lehigh University staged an information stake-out in the center of the campus on Friday night with an objective: invite their peers … more →

References [updated December 2014] [Citations that include a filename (ending in .pdf) indicate that we have the PDF of that study – contact Peter Crownfield for more information] Altieri, M. “Enhanced Pest Management Through Soil Health: Toward a Belowground Habitat Management … more →

Climate and Sustainability Commitment (As adopted by the Bethlehem Area School District, 28 April 2014) “Changes to Pennsylvania’s climate are happening now. While there is uncertainty as to the extent and timing of these impacts, it is undeniable that action … more →

Four folks share some of their thoughts on this daunting matter. Dork Sahagian, Professor of Earth and Environmental Science at Lehigh University: Two things to consider in meeting the challenge: mitigation and adaptation. 1. Mitigation is what we need to … more →

By Tom Moroz The commons were traditionally defined as the elements of the environment‚ forests, atmosphere, rivers, fisheries, or grazing land‚ that are shared, used, and enjoyed by all. In our digital age, ‘the commons’ is also used to describe … more →

By Lindsay Meiman As I was walking to class with a friend the other day, he casually asked me, “Why do you care so much about sustainability?” I paused in my tracks, taken aback by the immensity of possible explanations … more →

By Ida Halleröd I arrived in the Lehigh Valley in January this year from Gothenburg, Sweden. My husband got transferred here for work and I tagged along, figuring it would be one of life’s great adventures. I had slim pre-knowledge … more →

Important Notice - Information on this website does not necessarily represent the position of the Alliance or the views of its members. As part of our effort to promote open discussion and dialogue, we frequently post material that is of current concern, especially on subjects that are not covered in the mainstream media or if that coverage is incomplete or one-sided.